Can writing be taught? This is one of the central questions driving “composition studies”, at least in pedagogically-minded corners of the field. As a writer, I’m skeptical; but then, the entire question hinges on our definition of terms. My ego-boosting definition of “writer” is anyone who has been paid at least $100 for his/her work, … Continue reading
Here are the facts of the case: Voters put up an amendment to ban gay marriage. Californians voted for that measure with an overwhelming 80% voter turnout. 52% voted for the amendment and 47% voted against it. Not a landslide victory, but not a close-call by any means. Californians made themselves pretty clear: no gay … Continue reading
If our field had a Catechism, it would probably include something like the following: “All claims to truth or knowledge are cultural constructs; objective truth does not exist; we cannot escape the bounds of individual or communal subjectivity. This is most certainly true.” Undoubtedly, there is a great deal of truth to this denial of … Continue reading
An interesting news article about an “uncontacted tribe” in Peru has been plastered across internet news sites the last few days. Accompanying the article is a picture of tribesmen and tribeswomen. Undoubtedly, it is the picture that has caused the fanfare, not the complex spatial and cultural politics surrounding the existence of “uncontacted tribes.” The … Continue reading
An interesting thing about books: you always know when they’re going to end. You can’t say the same about movies or songs. Unless you’re fastidious enough to check the running times before watching or listening, the end of a movie or a song does not present itself before the fact, the way a book’s does. … Continue reading
Escuchar música y ver television es buen para aprender Español. Por eso veo peliculas españolas sin los subtítulos. Ahora, necesito encontrar musica española que me gusta. Hay muchos géneros de musica española: ranchera, mariachi, cumbia, norteño, banda, salsa . . . y tambien rock, alternative, y pop. En California, escuché mucha musica en Español en … Continue reading
In my Digital Humanities course, we’ve been discussing network and systems theories and their applicability to issues of linguistic and social development. One of the issues discussed is the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule. Here’s some info on those terms from the great Wiki-God: Business-management consultant Joseph M. Juran suggested the principle and … Continue reading
La esposa – wife Las esposas – handcuffs I think the Spaniards are trying to warn us about something . . .
